Watch The Brink

The Brink, a political documentary released in 2019, offers an inside look into the life and career of Steve Bannon, former Chief Strategist to President Donald Trump. Directed by Alison Klayman, the film follows Bannon as he travels to various countries to support populist movements and spread his far-right ideology. From the opening scene, the viewer is introduced to Bannon's intense personality. He speaks with passion and conviction about his political beliefs, which center around nationalism and a distrust of the political establishment. This is illustrated through his work with organizations such as Breitbart News and his role as a key advisor to President Trump during the 2016 election. The Brink also explores Bannon's relationships with other key figures in the far-right movement, such as Nigel Farage and Marine Le Pen.

Throughout the film, Bannon is followed as he travels to Europe, attending conferences and rallies in countries such as Italy, Hungary, and France. He argues that the future of Europe and the United States is dependent on the success of populist movements and the rejection of "globalist" values. While many of his speeches are met with a positive response, he also faces criticism and protests from those who view his message as racist and divisive.

The Brink is not just about Bannon's public persona, however. It also delves into his personal life, including his upbringing in a working-class family in Virginia and his struggles with alcoholism. This humanizes Bannon and adds depth to his character, while also highlighting the personal toll that his work has taken on him.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Brink is the way in which it shows Bannon's relationship with the media. He often grants interviews to mainstream outlets such as The New York Times and CNN, but is also shown filming segments for far-right news sites such as Rebel Media. Bannon recognises the power of the media and works to manipulate it to his advantage, using his appearances to promote his message and discredit his opponents.

The film also examines Bannon's role in the controversial "Muslim ban" executive order that was issued shortly after President Trump took office. Bannon is shown advocating for the ban as a way to protect the United States from terrorism, but the viewer is left to draw their own conclusions about the legality and morality of such a policy.

Overall, The Brink is a riveting documentary that provides a unique and intimate look into the mind of one of the most polarizing figures in modern politics. While some may find Bannon's views repugnant, the film does not shy away from giving him a platform to express them. This allows the viewer to form their own opinions about Bannon and the populist movement he supports, and to better understand the motivations and beliefs of those involved.

The Brink is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 71.